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For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

We have to live in the world and deal with the attacks and insults of those who would seek to denigrate us because of our belief in Jesus. It’s our job to take the “high road” and not fight back in the same way they attack us. They will malign our integrity or impugn our intelligence, but we should not respond with such ad hominem attacks. No, we attack their arguments. We break down their worldview, because it doesn’t include Jesus, it can’t be true. We break down their strongholds without breaking down the person. He take every thought captive and we don’t let our minds run amuck, we obey Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life… trust in His truth.

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

God has already equipped the church with all the financial resources needed to accomplish all He has called them to do. The only problem is, sometimes we hold on to those resources. What if every single person who attended a church regularly were to join that church? What if every single member attended their church regularly, without fail, unless providentially hindered? What if every person have 10% of their income to the work of the ministry of that church? Well, our world would look much different. You get out what you put in. If you are giving, growing, serving, loving… you’re part of an amazing church. If you’re attending sparingly and waiting on someone else to make you plug-in, you’re probably feeling left-out. There’s no compulsion to invest through your church, but there is an encouragement. You’re never going to truly be satisfied with your church until you’re all-in. Your church isn’t “they” or “them” it includes “you” and “us.” We are in this together!

Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

Paul was in the process of a year long giving campaign for the church(es) in Jerusalem. The church in Corinth had initially agreed to participate in this “grace” (as it is called) but then some issues came up which made it difficult. The unforeseen issues in life that we all deal with that we didn’t count on. Paul seems to have understood that they did have a difficult time, but that now their issues have begun to subside, he wanted to remind them to follow-through on their original pledge. When we agree to give, serve, or do for God, there certainly will be times when life gets in the way, don’t let that derail you. Pick your commitment back up when you can. As long as you’re breathing, it’s not too late 🙂

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Do you feel guilty? Sometimes people get the wrong impression that the point of becoming a Christian, the real reason for accepting God’s grace, is that you can stop feeling guilty. There’s a problem with that view, sometimes we feel guilty because we are guilty. See, the Holy Spirit is here, in part, to convict every single person of their sin and to show them the truth. When we are caught up in doing something we shouldn’t do, or not doing something we should, we feel guilt, this is “godly sorrow.” If you are a believer, this is meant to lead you to turn from your sin and do what is right. Now, once you have confessed your sin, know that He has forgiven that indiscretion and cleansed you from even the hint of ungodliness, but you must repent. You must turn. You must be willing to change. The Christian has the wonderful gift of only having to feel guilt as long as we choose. As soon as you give your sin up to God, you are no longer guilty…

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way… We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.

Why are you waiting? If you don’t know Jesus, don’t take more time. Don’t think it through more. Don’t wait until it “feels right.” TODAY is your day. Now is the time. Right here, in this moment, give your life to Jesus. It’s our job, as Christians, each of us having been given the ministry of reconciliation, to tell people the truth. We don’t change or soften the truth at all… we put no extra roadblocks up to hinder them either. Plain and simple, if you have not yet given your life to Jesus, you must do it NOW. The only thing holding you back, is you. It’s no one else’s fault you aren’t yet a Christian but you. It’s not a church’s fault, it’s not your family’s fault, it’s all on you. And you have the power to fix it… open your heart to Jesus today. (And if you know Him, tell someone about Him)